A high level meeting of stakeholders and local campaigners has met in Meelick to discuss plans for the future of tourism in the area.
Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney who initiated the meeting said: “Meelick has huge potential for tourism that would put it firmly on the map as part of Fáilte Ireland’s marketing drive for Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
“It was important to bring all the stakeholders together to see the work that is going on and the opportunities for further restoration and renovation works for the whole area.
“Work is currently being carried out to replace the weir and boardwalk across the Shannon thanks to €3 million in funding from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
“Separately Waterways Ireland is constructing a pathway to the Martello Tower and Victoria dock. The Tower has been neglected for years and needs restoration along with a plan to develop and improve the area and its historic sites.”
Minister Canney said the meeting included representatives from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Fáilte Ireland, the National Monuments Service, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Waterways Ireland as well as the Meelick and Lusna development groups.
He added: “Everyone was very enthusiastic about the possibilities for the future and agreed that further development work was required going forward.”

Pictured left to right: Niall Ó’Donnchú, Assistant Secretary General, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; Paddy Harkin and Michael McKiernan, Waterways Ireland; Seán Canney TD, Minister of State; Eanna Rowe, Waterways Ireland; Terry Allen, National Monuments Service; James Scully and Charlie Killeen, Meelick Development Group. Also present was Mark McGovern, Manager of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands for Fáilte Ireland.

For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
December 2 2019